Newsletter 2-August-2015

Background: The life of Jesus reminds us that physical bodies, and what we do with them, matter to God. The writer of Ephesians exhorts community members to follow their senses of calling, not for personal fulfillment, but for the sake of unity in Christ. As they each follow God’s call, they will come together to achieve God’s vision of unity. All of today’s readings give insight into individual feelings and responses to events in our lives. Yet, as we do that, we are ever mindful that our own actions have an effect on the greater community.

Psalm 51:1-12 (NIV)1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. 5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. 6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place. 7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

NEXT WEEK:Sunday Worship: 9 August 2015Theme: What we ClaimFocus Scripture: Psalm 130Other Readings: John 6: 35,41-51

Prayer Points:- Give thanks for an increase in the numbers attending Mainly Music. Please pray for: Lorraine and Ian on their Study / long service leave; Ian Pinel and his cancer diagnosis. Loas Toung and her bruised ribs.

NOTICES:-

Congregational Meeting:- 9th August 2015 following the 9.30am service to receive names for and elect members to the Nomination Team. We need 3 people to serve in this ministry.

AGM Reports:- Can I please have the AGM reports for all the areas of ministry emailed to the office or left on my desk as soon as possible. Thank you Jeannine

40th Celebrations of St Johns on The power-point being developed by Trevor Haigh needs photographs covering all significant events during the last 40 years. If you have any suitable photographs please give them to Trevor to look at. Trevor does not want to take photos away, but will come to you and make copies before the final selection.

Lorraine’s leave cover:- With Lorraine being on leave, Jeannine will be in the office Tuesday 9.30am-2.30pm Thursday 9.30am-12.30pm and Friday 9.30am-2.30pm. Mainly Music is in the building on a Wednesday morning. If there is anyone that would be available on a Wednesday and Thursday afternoons to help answer the phone from approximately 12.30pm-2.30pm please contact Jeannine in the office. Thank you.

Should you have any questions or worries while Lorraine is on leave the three “go-to” people are Alan Vickers:- cell phone 021 051 3040 or 533 3790, or email; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Joan Rutherford:- cell phone 027 537 2308 or 533 8761 and Bob Williamson.

Dr. Gordon Neufeld is a Vancouver-based developmental psychologist with over 40 years of experience with children and youth. He is a foremost authority on child development and an international speaker. His book 'Hold On To Your Kids,' co-authored with Dr Gabor Mate, is a bestseller and has been translated into ten different languages. His 'Neufeld Institute' is now a world-wide charitable organisation devoted to applying developmental science to the task of raising children.

The Coffee Club Highland Park:- The coffee club in Highland park have opened a new store and they have kindly donated some 20% off discount vouchers to bring in new local customers. They are on the table in the foyer please help yourself and enjoy a break.

Nominating Team Notice:- The nominating team headed by Peter Hancock, requires new members. The Nominating Team has the responsibility to listen to the congregation, to pray and to bring forward to the congregation the names of people willing to serve on the Leadership Team. Please pray for the right people to be willing to serve and then pass the names to Peter Hancock, Joan Rutherford or Alan Vickers. The final names will be announced at this Sundays service.

Girls' Brigade Fundraising 'Oxford Pies':--the latest Thank you all for your orders they have all been processed and will be available for collection from Julie at the end of the month. Julie is currently away and I will confirm the exact collections dates for you and I will advise as soon as possible.. Many thanks... Julie Dickey 535 5814 0274 925 659 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..